First Student Hiring for Region HR Manager at Newark, NJ  Full Time

First for a reason
First Student is the largest school transportation provider in North America with more than a century of experience providing safe and reliable transportation. We work with 1,250 school districts in 39 states and 8 Canadian provinces carrying approximately five million students in 21,000 schools daily.

First things First: Who are we?

Twice the size of our next largest competitor, First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. Every day, we complete 5 million student journeys, moving more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services for 1,100 school district contracts.

The Area Human Resources Manager (ASM) supports the HR function of designated locations for all operational, facility and shop activities within the assigned geographic area. The AHRM partners with the Area General Managers and Location Managers and must be able to lead behavioral and organizational change by influencing and change management. The AHRM drives continuous improvement by reviewing data and deploying strategies to support a better employee experience and to mitigate risks. The AHRM ensures that division HR initiatives and processes are embedded into the area operations and monitors adherence to strategic and program initiatives. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company policy.

Major Responsibilities

• For assigned locations, provides leadership and guidance to operations in the areas of employee engagement, dispute resolution, policy compliance and interpretation, leadership development, leave management, FLSA/compensation, new business start-ups and closings, and other people related matters.
• Establishes credibility and trust throughout the organization with leadership and employees to be an effective source for listening and problem solving.
• Works with the RHRD, LM and/or ALM, to ensure HR policies and procedures are being followed and adhered to within assigned locations.
• Provides advice and counsel to employees on a variety of workplace issues and policy interpretation while protecting the company’s interest to reinforce and comply with policies.
• Maintains favorable and effective employee relations with regular visibility and communication with assigned locations.
• Partner with regional leadership to proactively identify opportunities in employee engagement, recognition, and retention, to support our goal of reducing turnover 5% each year.
• Conducts investigations on Hotline complaints and employee relations issues in an appropriate and timely manner. Provide appropriate recommendations and disciplinary action, where necessary.
• Works with employee’s manager, region’s labor counsel and RHRD on grievance handling in locations where unions exist.
• Acts as an internal consultant and business partner to the regions regarding the planning of new business startups and helping coordinate with HR functional teams to ensure proper support.
• Identifies underperforming locations to identify opportunities, perform analysis and work with location team to develop, recommend, and implement continuous improvement processes.
• Conducts training programs that address the company’s needs, such as performance management, employee relations and a variety of employment laws.
• Develops employee engagement and action planning to improve employee relations throughout the assigned locations.
• Facilitates the implementation of corporate initiatives and, where applicable, monitors and reports the results of those initiatives. Acts as change champion at those locations.
• Share best practices and innovative approaches for problem solving at assigned locations.
• Take a leadership role in driving the company’s mission, values, positive work culture.
• Take a lead role in the region in advancing our diversity and inclusion strategy.
• Provide advice and counsel to managers on proper handling of employee counseling and discipline, and review of all terminations.
• In partnership with AGM, will participate in the recruiting process for selection and on-boarding of location management roles.
• Assists Safety/LM with driver recruitment, retention, and training activities
• Candidates must reside in NY, NJ, or PA

Minimum Experience & Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, related field or equivalent experience.
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), HRCI (HR Certification Institute), and/or Canadian HR certifications (CHRE, CHRL or CHRP) preferred.
• 5 Years of HR Experience with broad knowledge of employment law, FLSA/compensation, organizational planning, employee relations, labor relations, and training and development.
• Demonstrate leadership, decision-making and team building skills.
• Strong leader with demonstrated ability to interact with and influence others effectively at the management level, employee level, and cross-functionally.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and successfully deliver on commitments.
• Highest standards of ethical behavior and role model of our company values.
• Strong proficiency in computer literacy essential with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience with other software such as timekeeping and payroll systems is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret data and perform root cause analysis and assist others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with others in a team setting
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach and provide leadership

First for a Reason

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation and benefits (which vary based on role, location, and business), including physical and mental health initiatives, medical/dental/vision, and paid holiday/vacation.

Professional Advancement

Start here. Go far. We believe in promoting from within which means tremendous opportunities for you, thanks to our strong presence across North America. In addition, our 3 to 5 month Manager-In-Development program prepares future leaders at First Student.

Extensive Training

Build skills and knowledge in such areas as safety and security, injury prevention, technology and equipment, and job efficiency.

Diversity & Inclusion

Because we’re stronger together, we aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and diverse working environment for everyone every day.

Community Service & Impact

Go where opportunity meets community. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As the face of First in your community, you’ll have a positive impact on others.

Apply today and get your career on the road with First Student!

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce therefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. For candidates applying to positions in San Francisco or Los Angeles California, First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance or Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance. First is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request .

First Student is an Equal Opportunity Employer.